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Trustees meet, approve university matters - 02/11/11

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University Board of Trustees approved a variety of personnel, fiscal and construction-related matters at its meeting Friday (2/11).

Separation Incentive and Phased Retirement Program approved Trustees adopted a separation incentive and phased retirement program that offers flexibility for colleges and vice president units to proactively adjust their workforce to achieve positive economic and programmatic outcomes. The program allows the university to structure its workforce and adapt to challenges such as the evolving nature of higher education, an aging population and a tough economic climate in a way that takes care of people and be good stewards of resources. The program has two components, separation incentives and phased retirement. Separation incentives provide an opportunity for those who may be thinking about separating from Ohio State - to relocate for personal reasons or to jump-start a career change, for example - and they can receive a cash incentive to provide an economic bridge. The department can then use the vacated positions for new programs or to make budget adjustments. Phased retirement provides similar opportunities, but also allows for knowledge transfer to occur, replacement recruiting, or appropriate time to make changes in program offerings. This may be especially attractive to those who will not qualify for retirement for a couple of years, and/or would enjoy the ability to phase into retirement versus making a sudden change.

Expansion of Ohio State’s China Gateway approved To expand the activities of The Ohio State University China Gateway, trustees approved the formation of a new Chinese entity known as a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE). The new legal entity, the China Gateway LLC, is an Ohio limited liability company (the “LLC”). Ohio State is the sole member of the LLC and has complete control over its operation. Formation of the LLC allows the university to expand to the activities of the China Gateway to include executive education or similar types of training programs. It is a necessary legal prerequisite to meet the university's goal of establishing a physical presence in China. The LLC, in turn, has established a Foreign Representative Office (FRO) in Shanghai, China. The establishment of the FRO is also a necessary legal prerequisite for the leasing of office space, opening of financial accounts, and hiring of staff. The project as a whole is referred to as the “China Gateway.” Chinese law requires the creation of the WFOE to permit development of the revenue generating activities that will assist the Gateway in becoming self-sustaining over the next several years. The WFOE will be wholly-owned by the LLC, and the FRO will be phased out after approval of the WFOE by the Chinese government.

Centers named Trustees approved the naming of the Marci and Bill Ingram Comprehensive Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders in recognition of contributions provided by Marci and Bill Ingram to the to the Marci and Bill Ingram Research Fund for Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Marci and Bill Ingram Comprehensive Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders is a virtual autism center joining researchers, social scientists, legal scholars and educators at The Ohio State University Medical Center and at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who are working together to solve the puzzle of autism.

Trustees approved the naming of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy the Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy in the John Glenn School of Public Affairs as the Battelle Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy. The name recognizes Battelle’s significant contributions to the John Glenn School of Public Affairs for the operations of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy.

University Development Report accepted The board accepted the University Development Report as of March 31, 2010. The report included the establishment of The Marion N. Rowley Chair in Human Cancer Genetics Research; the Robert J. Watkins/Proctor & Gamble Professorship, the D. Warren Brown Designated Chair in Leukemia Research, The John B. and Jane T. McCoy Chair in Cancer Research, and The William H. and Laceryjette V. Casto Professorship in Interpersonal Education in Honor of Henry and Ruth Leuchter and Van Bogard and Geraldine Dunn. In addition, 35 new named endowment funds were established, totaling $8.4 million in private giving to the university.

Departments merged Trustees approved the merger of the Department of Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology and the Department of Molecular Genetics to become the Department of Molecular Genetics. The merger brings together two departments that were part of the College of Biological Sciences, which has been incorporated into the College of Arts and Sciences.

Degree program established Trustees approved the establishment of a Master’s of Mathematical Sciences degree program. The program will initially offer two specializations – Mathematical Biosciences, and Mathematics for Mathematics Educators – with others under consideration for possible future development. The program will build on the increasing importance of interdisciplinary fields, especially those combining quantitative skills with other sectors of the natural and social sciences to better prepare students for stem careers.

New department established Trustees approved the establishment of the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity within the School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine. Establishment of the department will increase the University’s ability to recruit top academic scientists with established research grant funding; provide more training opportunities for students, residents and fellows; raise the Medical Center’s national rankings; and bring international prestige to the university.

Personnel actions approvedThe board approved the following personnel appointments and reappointments:• Douglas A. Berman has been named professor and holder of the Robert J. Watkins/Procter & Gamble Professorship in the Moritz College of Law effective February 11, 2011 through January 31, 2016• John C. Byrd has been named professor and holder of the D. Warren Brown Designated Chair in Leukemia Research in the College of Medicine effective February 1, 2011 through June 30, 2015• David R. Cole has been named the Ohio Research Scholar Professor in the College of the Arts and Sciences effective September 22, 2010• Alexander R. Fischer has been named Senior Advisor on Economic Development in the Office of the President effective October 15, 2010• Stephen M. Gavazzi has been named dean and director of The Ohio State University –Mansfield effective January 1, 2011, through June 30, 2016• Martha Gulati has been named clinical associate professor and holder of The Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Health at OSU Heart Center in the College of Medicine effective November 22, 2010 through October 30, 2015• Guido Marcucci has been named professor and holder of The John B. and Jane T. McCoy Chair in Cancer Research at the Comprehensive Cancer Center/The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute effective December 1, 2010 through November 30, 2015• Linda C. Martin has been named professor and holder of the The Sanford G. Price and Isabelle P. Barbee Chair in Teaching, Advising, and Learning in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences effective January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2015• Peter J. Mohler has been named director of the Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute effective January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014• Phyllis K. Teater has been named Chief Information Officer and Senior Associate Vice President in the Ohio State University Medical Center effective September 1, 2010• Electra D. Paskett has been named professor and holder of The Marion N. Rowley Chair in Human Cancer Genetics Research in the College of Medicine effective February 1, 2011 through June 30, 2015• Meyer J. Benzakein has been reappointed interim chair of the Department of Aviation, effective January 1, 2011, through March 31, 2011• John V. Campo has been appointed interim chair of the Department of Psychiatry, effective January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011• Jonathan J. Fox has been appointed interim chair of the Department of Consumer Sciences, effective July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011• Robert A. Fox has been reappointed chair of the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, effective July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2015• Joseph S. Hogan has been appointed interim chair of the Department of Animal Sciences, effective January 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011• James E. Kinder has been appointed chair of the Department of Human Nutrition, effective January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2015; and interim director of the School of Physical Activity and Educational Services, effective January 1, 2011• Robert E. Lee has been reappointed chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, effective January 1, 2011 through August 31, 2014Emeritus Titles granted• Karen A. Bell, professor emeritus in the Department of Dance, effective January 1, 2011• Lucy S. Caswell, professor emeritus in University Libraries, effective January 1, 2011• Raimund E. Goeler, professor emeritus in University Libraries, effective January 1, 2011• Barbara D. Groseclose, professor emeritus in the Department of History of Art, effective July 1, 2011• Marsha J. Hamilton, professor emeritus in University Libraries, effective January 1, 2011• Francis A. Irele, professor emeritus in the Department of African American and African Studies, effective February 1, 2011• David L. Johnson, professor emeritus in the School of Environment and Natural Resources, effective January 1, 2011• Judith S. Mayne, professor emeritus in the Department of French and Italian, effective July 1, 2011• Katherine Meyer, professor emeritus in the Department of Sociology, effective February 1, 2011• Charles H. Drummond, associate professor emeritus in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, effective January 1, 2011.• Harding Ganz, associate professor emeritus in the Department of History (Newark), effective July 1, 2011• Robert G. Lundquist, associate professor emeritus in the Department of Mining Engineering, effective January 1, 2011• Jill E. Nolan, associate professor emeritus in Ohio State University Extension, effective January 1, 2011• Stephen J. Summerhill, associate professor emeritus in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, effective July 1, 2011• Julie A. Dalzell, assistant professor emeritus in Ohio State University Extension, effective January 1, 2011• Harry L. Graber, clinicial assistant professor emeritus in the Department of Internal Medicine, effective February 1, 2011• William T. Grunkmeyer, assistant professor emeritus in Ohio State University Extension, effective May 1, 2011• Michael E. Miller, assistant professor emeritus in Ohio State University Extension, effective February 1, 2011• Penelope A. Pearson, assistant professor emeritus in University Libraries, effective January 1, 2011• Thomas B. Turner, assistant professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences, effective February 1, 2011 • Nicholas A. Votolato, clinical assistant professor emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry (change from Department of Pharmacy), effective October 1, 2010.Resolutions in memoriam adopted

The board adopted resolutions in memoriam for the following persons:• Charles B. Hicks, professor emeritus in the Department of Management Sciences in The Max M. Fisher College of Business, who died on August 21, 2010• William P. Smith, associate professor emeritus in Ohio State University Extension, who died October 2, 2010• Clyde H. Kearns, professor emeritus in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Science, who died June 19, 2010• Richard J. Solove: alumnus, benefactor and dear friend of the university, who died January 28, 2010

Institutional Advancement model adopted The board approved adopting a new model for university advancement, which integrates University Communications, University Development, and the Alumni Association to encourage and foster the engagement of students, alumni and other key audiences to provide multiple opportunities for engagement and support for the mission of The Ohio State University. The board also endorsed Institutional Advancement goals to: • Expand the number of national leaders who award high marks to Ohio State.• More than triple number of advocates, ambassadors equipped, motivated to reinforce key university accomplishments, attributes.• Double the number of Ohioans who feel a strong connection to the University.

Construction projects approved The board authorized the university to enter into or increase professional services contracts for the following projects: • Replacement of a boiler at McCracken Power Plant to meet anticipated need for increased campus steam due to the university’s Medical Center expansion, the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Chemistry building, and potential expansion of student housing. Professional services contract amount is $2.6 million. Total project cost is $15 million to be provided by university bond proceeds.• Replacement of selected campus tunnels. This project will upgrade and extend the life of deteriorated utility tunnel sections across campus. Professional services contract amount is $1.5 million. Total project cost is $10.4 million to be provided by university bond proceeds. The board authorized the university to enter into construction contracts for the following projects:• Construction of a new campus electric substation. This project will construct a new electrical substation to meet current and future campus electrical demands and will be the primary source of power to buildings west of the Olentangy River. Construction will begin after AEP installs a new power feed to the substation. Construction amount is $50 million. Total project cost is $57.6 million to be provided by university bond proceeds.• Renovation of University Hospitals kitchens. This project will renovate the existing patient and café food kitchen serving University Hospitals in Rhodes Hall, the James Cancer Hospital and the Ross Heart Hospital over the next few years. Construction amount is $9.3 million. Total project cost is $12.1million to be provided by auxiliary funds.

Application for funds supported Trustees agreed to support an application to the Ohio Department of Development for $141,000 from the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund for asbestos remediation in historic Hayes Hall. The university intends to remediate the property, which formerly housed the Department of Art History, for redevelopment into Department of Industrial, Interior, and Visual Communication Design. The grant is vital to making the completion of the $1.2 million project economically feasible. Last August, the State of Ohio received $1.8 million in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for brownfield revitalization efforts. The project helps create and retain 13 full-time jobs.

Supplemental retirement plan amended Trustees ratified and approved the amendment and restatement of The Ohio State University Supplemental Qualified Retirement Plan, renamed the Retirement Continuation Plan, effective January 1, 2011. The changes were made in order to comply with the Internal Revenue Service and other applicable regulations.

Residence hall renamed Trustees approved renaming Jones Graduate Tower as Jones Tower effective immediately. The building located at 101 Curl Drive was originally named the Jones Tower in 1962 in honor of Lawrence Jones who at that time was the acting and associate dean of the College of Engineering and the secretary of the University Faculty & Faculty Council. In 1966, the building became the residence hall for graduate students and was re-named the Jones Graduate Tower. Since it is no longer used exclusively for graduate student housing, the building name will return to Jones Tower.

Faculty rules amended The board approved several amendments to the Rules of the University Faculty regarding university organization, administration, probationary service and duration of appointments for tenure-track faculty, standards for honors at graduation, and meeting attendance. Amendments to Medical Staff bylaws approved

The board approved adoption of a series of amendments to the the Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations of the Medical Staff of The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

Audit report accepted Trustees accepted the report of the Deloitte & Touche 2009-2010 audit of The Ohio State University, including the report on the audit of the university's financial statements and the summary of constructive service comments to management. The university's accounts, records, files and report were found to be in satisfactory condition, and appropriate procedures and responses are being developed as a result of constructive comments.